Knowledge of Malaria and Utilization of Its Preventive Measures among Pregnant Women Attending Anten

Background: Malaria prevention is a top priority for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, which advocates for a three-pronged approach to reduce malaria burden among pregnant women. In places where malaria transmission is stable, the WHO framework for malaria prevention during pregnancy suggests IPT, ITN usage, and case management of malaria sickness.

The goal of this study was to determine pregnant women's awareness about malaria and its preventive measures, as well as their use of malaria preventive measures and attitudes toward treatment. To see if there is a link between their preventative knowledge and their prevention practise.

Methodology: An institutional based, cross-sectional study was carried out. 385 consenting participants, between 18-48 years, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of malaria and its preventive measures, use of IPT and ownership/use of ITN, and attitude to treatment were recorded. Data were entered into Excel spreadsheet and analyzed with SPSS version 20. Associations between different variables were determined using Fisher’s exact test or Chi-square test, as appropriate, and logistic regression used to test statistical significance at P<0.05.

Results: Of the 385 women, 307 (79.7%) had excellent (18.7%) and good (61%) knowledge, while 78 (20.3%) had average (16.6%) and poor (3.6%) knowledge. There was no difference in association of Knowledge with age, marital status, education, occupation, and parity. Of the 385 women, 61.3% were using IPT for chemoprophylaxis, 66.2% were using insecticide spray or repellants and 71.4% owned mosquito net; of these, 84% owned insecticide treated nets, but only 65.8% were using it in this current pregnancy. Reasons for not using nets ranged from unavailable 49.0%, discomfort due to heat 32.9%, fear of suffocation 6.9%, Spouse’s disapproval 3.9% and 1.0% ineffective. There was statistically significant difference between knowledge and use of IPT, ITN and insecticide sprays.

Conclusion: Malaria in pregnancy and its prevention were well-understood, but implementation of these interventions should be improved. Efforts should be made to remove roadblocks to usage.

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